HEC（Hydroxyethyl cellulose）is an important water-soluble polymer material, which is widely used in the fields of drilling industry, cosmetics, waterborne painting, etc. However, the quality of hydroxyethyl cellulose on the market varies greatly, and how to identify the quality of HEC has become an important issue.

Generally speaking, the quality identification of hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC is mainly carried out from the following aspects:

1. Product structure

The product structure of hydroxyethyl cellulose is usually determined by its molecular weight, degree of substitution and other parameters. These parameters will directly affect the performance of the product, such as viscosity, thickening ability, water solubility, etc. Therefore, when selecting products, it is necessary to determine the appropriate molecular weight and degree of substitution according to the application field and specific needs. Such as our substitution, it is 2.7-2.8. It is the first class all over the world.

2. Appearance and color

Hydroxyethyl cellulose can be white or slightly yellow powder, or colorless or slightly yellow transparent block or granular material. The appearance should be neat without lumps, impurities and foreign matter

3. Particle size distribution

The particle size distribution of hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC should be relatively uniform, without too large or too small particles. It can be observed by microscope or measured using a laser particle size analyzer.

4. Water content

Hydroxyethyl cellulose should maintain an appropriate water content. Too high water content will cause the product to clump and deteriorate, while too low water content will affect the product's molding and performance. Generally, the water content is required to be below 10%.

5. Viscosity

Viscosity is the main physical indicator for measuring hydroxyethyl cellulose. Hydroxyethyl cellulose with high viscosity has low solubility in water, but has strong gelling ability and thickening effect. Generally, the viscosity is required to be between 2000 and 100000.

6. Ash and impurities

The purity of hydroxyethyl cellulose can be divided into food grade, pharmaceutical grade and industrial grade. Among them, the pharmaceutical grade has the highest purity requirement, while the industrial grade has relatively low requirements. Generally, the purity is required to be above 90%.

7. Stability

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is required to have good thermal stability, maintain the stability of its physical and chemical properties at high temperatures, and not produce toxic gases or substances. Generally, the thermal stability is required to be above 180°C.

The above are several main technical indicators of hydroxyethyl cellulose, and different industries have different requirements for it. For example, in the food and pharmaceutical industries, the requirements for purity, pH value, etc. are more stringent, while in the building materials industry, the requirements for viscosity and thermal stability are relatively higher.